Ohio to begin reopening economy next week

On Monday, April 27th, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced a multistage plan to reopen the Ohio economy within the coming weeks. As states begin to relax restrictions due to the Coronavirus, some nonessential businesses will be able to start opening up.

The first stage, beginning Friday May 1st, will let hospitals and health centers the ability to resume elective surgeries and procedures that do not require an overnight stay.

In the following week, construction sites and manufacturing centers will be allowed to reopen, provided employers take necessary precautions and employees go through daily screenings for the virus, while social distancing.

Week three would include the opening of some retail stores. However, businesses considered to be high risk of spreading the virus including hair salons, bars and restaurants are not included and need to remain closed until further notice.

DeWine stated, “These are ultimately enforced by the local health departments. There’s going to be, I think, community pressure to make sure that people provide a safe place – first with manufacturing, then a few days later when we get to the point of retail. In reality, it is a common-sense approach in how you deal with a situation that is a dangerous situation.”

He did not specifically say that the state’s stay-at-home order would be lifted. However, the reopening of certain businesses likely means the order would no longer be enforced.